This recipe for homemade salted caramels is a must-make! Easy to follow instructions and perfect caramel candies every time!
Confession… Candy recipes have always intimidated me. Cooking to the perfect temperature and the need to rush always stressed me out.
Until I found this soft salted caramel recipe. It is so much easier than I thought it would be! If you follow the recipe, and use the tips scattered throughout this post, you will be left with incredible chewy caramels that are perfect for sharing (or eating all on your own).
Recipe Features:
- Soft and Chewy: These caramels are so soft, perfectly sweet, and lightly salted.
- Big Batch: This recipe makes enough to share.
What You’ll Need:
Making candy all starts with the same base. Sugar. Mix in some corn syrup and cream- with the right balance you have the most incredible melt-in-your-mouth caramels.
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Water
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Finishing salt
- Vanilla extract
Step by Step Instructions:
- Line a 9 inch square dish with parchment paper. Allow a little overhang so it will be easy to remove the caramel later for cutting. Spray with cooking spray.
- In a deep saucepan (at least 4-1/2 inches) bring the sugar, corn syrup, and water to a boil. Cook until the mixture becomes a nice golden brown color. Try not to stir at all. If you need to mix things up, swirl the pan.
- While your sugar is browning combine the heavy cream, butter, and fleur de sel in another small pan. Bring just to a simmer. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- When your sugar mixture has browned, remove from the heat and stir in your heavy cream using a wooden spoon. Add the vanilla. Return to the burner and cook an additional ten minutes on a medium/low temperature.
- Pour your caramels into your prepared pan and allow to cool slightly. Place in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- When you are ready to cut them simply remove from the pan using the parchment as a handle. Sprinkle additional salt onto the top of your caramel slab and press down slightly. Place on a cutting board and slice into pieces. Use wax paper to wrap each individually.
Tips and FAQs:
These homemade caramel squares are perfect for gift giving OR for eating. Try pairing them with homemade caramel corn for the ultimate sweet gift!
How long do salted caramels last?
I have found so many different answers to this question floating around the internet. From experience I can tell you that this recipe lasts about three weeks, if stored properly. Be sure to wrap each individual caramel in either plastic wrap or wax paper. From there you will want to place them into an air tight container or zip top bag. Keep them on the counter or in the pantry.
How to keep salted caramels from sticking to the pan:
This question has been asked over and over on my social media channels. The truth is, caramels will most likely stick to the cooking pan, but that’s ok! Cleaning is a breeze.
Once you have finished cooking and pouring your caramels into a prepared dish, place the pan or pot into the sink. Fill with soapy water and allow to soak for a few minutes. Rinse clean wiping as needed.
Related Recipes:
Like this recipe? You will love my:
- Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars
- French Macarons with Salted Caramel
- Homemade Salted Caramel Buttercream
- Caramel Iced Coffee
- Caramel Apple Pie
Salted Caramels
Ingredients
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons salted butter
- 1½ teaspoons fleur de sel plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9 inch square dish with parchment paper. Allow a little overhang so it will be easy to remove the caramel later for cutting. Spray with cooking spray.
- In a deep saucepan (at least 4-1/2 inches) bring the sugar, corn syrup, and water to a boil. Cook until the mixture becomes a nice golden brown color. Try not to stir at all. If you need to mix things up, swirl the pan.
- While your sugar is browning combine the heavy cream, butter, and fleur de sel in another small pan. Bring just to a simmer. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- When your sugar mixture has browned, remove from the heat and stir in your heavy cream using a wooden spoon. Add the vanilla. Return to the burner and cook an additional ten minutes on a medium/low temperature.
- Pour your caramels into your prepared pan and allow to cool slightly. Place in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- When you are ready to cut them simply remove from the pan using the parchment as a handle. Sprinkle additional salt onto the top of your caramel slab and press down slightly. Place on a cutting board and slice into pieces. Use wax paper to wrap each individually.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Beatriz R. says
How many caramels were you able to make with this recipe?
Jesseca says
It depends on how big you cut the pieces. I got about 30 caramels from one batch but you could get more or less depending on the size you use.
Holly C. says
I wish I could eat one of these right now. Yum!
Jonie @ Just Between Friends says
I should have brought some of these home with me. They look DELICIOUS! Also, I am giggling to myself thinking of you and Morgan in a fight and you start shoving caramel at him. 🙂
Jesseca says
That is seriously how it is. I “may” have a secret stash in the freezer that I pull out when he’s in a grumpy mood ;0)
marissa | Rae Gun Ramblings says
these look so delish. Pinning
dina says
these look great!
Yvonne @ TriedandTasty says
Oh these look delicious – you LOVE salted caramel! From what I’ve tasted at your house that one time, I love it too! I bet people were so excited to get your cards 🙂
Leanne says
They look delicious! Pinning!
Kathleen @ Fearlessly Creative Mammas says
I tried making caramels at Christmas and boy, that did not work out. I ruined two batches. Not awesome at all. Maybe I will try these, since you said they are “fool proof”.
Debra says
Ummm.. I need these. Like Pronto. They look so delicious!
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama says
These sound fabulous!! Thanks for sharing!!
Britney @ The Princess & Her Cowboys says
I love caramels! I’ve tried a couple of the salted kind but I’ll have to try this out! My husband loves them too so then I won’t eat them all myself 😉